In Budapest, a dive into the great bath

It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but Budapest can also claim to be one of the most relaxing, thanks to a secret buried under its beautiful architecture: its many hot springs.

Budapest, the city of baths…

Budapest has several nicknames, like the « Paris of the East » or the « Pearl of the Danube » but also the « city of Baths ». The city has about 80 geothermal springs and the largest system of thermal water pipes and caves.

Turkish baths along the Danube are still in operation and they are very much appreciated. But more than a thousand years before the Turks, the Romans already appreciated the waters of Budapest.

The Hungarian capital has a long history. It became a great city with the unification of Buda, Óbuda and Pest almost 150 years ago.
Today, Budapest attracts more than 4 million international tourists per year.

A palace and its spa in Budapest? follow the guide

Might as well pick a hotel that has a history, right? We chose the New York Palace. The building was built in 1894 for the New York Life Insurance Company. The building opened its doors on October 23, 1894. On the ground floor was the famous New York Café, where Hungarian writers and poets had long been housed. It still exists. The building was nationalized during the communist era. After
When communism collapsed, the structure was bought by the Italian chain Boscolo Hotels in February 2001. In 2017, it is the
American fund « Värde Partners » which took possession of it.

The New York Palace Hotel on Budapest’s Grand Boulevard

The palace is part of one of the luxury brands launched in 2018 « The Dedica Anthology ». The New York Palace Budapest is a luxury hotel on the Grand Boulevard of Budapest in the 7th district. The building was completely renovated and reopened on 5 May 2006 as a 107-room luxury hotel. The columns and turrets of its facade with frescoed ceilings of the opulent New York Café offer a certain pomp. During the evening, a pianist is present near the bar Nyugat.

The spa of the New York Hotel in Budapest

The hotel offers a spa with hammam, sauna and tea room. There is a beautiful swimming pool in an area designed to feel like inside a cave. Other facilities include a hair salon and a 24-hour sports hall. Treatments range from Hawaiian massages to Hungarian mud remedies. But you can also opt for herbal anti-aging masks. You won’t be disappointed.

Many public baths

The Turkish baths of Budapest are exquisite, a living memory of Ottoman domination during the 16th and 17th centuries, renowned throughout the world for their relaxing and medicinal purposes.

Not only are there several spas, but outdoor swimming pools play an important role in making the city even more pleasant in summer (and even winter). We deliver you some places to enjoy these baths.

Les Bains Rudas built in 1550…

These terms are located under the Gellért hill, on the banks of the Danube. Rudas is surely one of Budapest’s most popular thermal baths. Built under Ottoman rule, Rudas is a state-of-the-art complex, offering a superb setting to swim and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. With an old tradition still in place, during the week, bathing has special days for men and women.

However, on weekends, Rudas is open to both sexes. After a thorough renovation, this small paradise now has modern facilities, while a panoramic jacuzzi offers a superb view over the rooftops of Pest. A large octagonal pool is in the centre,
accompanied by five smaller thermal pools, a sauna, a hammam and massage rooms. Rudas baths are open every day from 6am to 8pm.

Széchenyi Baths, one of the largest thermal baths

Built in 1913, the Széchenyi baths are very popular in Budapest. These are probably the largest thermal baths in the city. Its three large outdoor pools are open all year round, offering an ideal place to sunbathe during the summer months.

Winter is also an experience here thanks to one of the 10 indoor pools. Its saunas, Turkish bath and massage rooms are available. Open every day from 6am to 10pm.

Les Bains Gellért Baths, one of the most beautiful public baths in Budapest

The Gellért thermal baths are located inside the great Gellért Hotel, which opened its doors in 1918 and is a typical example of the Art Nouveau style built in Hungary throughout this period.

The baths were built 15th century. Gellért has several indoor pools and an outdoor wave pool during the summer months. The bath complex was expanded to include an outdoor wave pool with a device dating from 1927 and still in operation.

The Gellért baths also have a hammam, sauna, sun terrace, thermal baths and massage rooms. Open every day from 6am to 8pm.

The Király Baths opened in 1565

It is one of the oldest spas in the city. The Király baths are housed in one of the few buildings in Budapest that was built during the Ottoman domination. Its magnificent swimming pool surmounted by a cupola is its main attraction. The bath also includes a thermal pool, massage rooms, sauna and hammam.

A recent addition came in the form of a Finnish sauna with a cold water pool, which was a huge success with residents. Pool water is said to contain magnesium and calcium. Relaxation will be complete. Open every day from 9am to 9pm.

We will try to forget the shameful words and decisions of the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, to keep in mind only the beauty of Budapest and its abundant baths.

Serge Fabre